5 outside-the-box ways to thank your clients

We all know that business depends on personal relationships. Any company’s best clients are the ones who start as professional partners but develop into true friends. Building the ties that bind in business takes sincerity, commitment, and a bit of creativity. Letting your customers know they’re appreciated takes more than a simple “thanks” in an email or sending an annual Christmas card. Check out this list of unique ideas for how to build loyalty and trust in your company’s most valuable relationships.

1. Teach them something fun

Schedule a tasting event with an expert at a local shop or restaurant. Choose something that you have a passion for—cheese, wine, craft beer, coffee, chocolate—and share it with your clients. Good turnout at events like these is practically guaranteed!

2. Invite them over for lunch

Have a customer over to your office to briefly show them the ins and outs of your business and share a few tips about using your products or service. Simply having the opportunity to chat face-to-face in a new environment will go a long way towards strengthening ties. Be sure to mark the occasion with a special lunch—food truck catering, anyone?

3. Share a great read

Few gifts are as personal and meaningful as a thoughtfully selected book. Send one over to your special client with a nice note inside the cover, and you’ll be guaranteed to make a lasting impression. Choose a business classic—you can’t go wrong with The Essays of Warren Buffett—or simply whatever you’ve read recently and think they might like. Be sure to follow up and discuss! Alternatively, buy them a subscription to a magazine or trade publication that’s relevant to their interests.

4. Take a little off the top

Surprise a customer with an unexpected discount on their next bill. It doesn’t have to be an earth-shattering amount—5% or 10% off will send a clear message of how much their business means to you.

5. Keep track of milestones—and celebrate them!

Take note of when clients came on board with your company and set calendar reminders so you remember to commemorate significant anniversaries. To honor clients at major milestones—1, 5, or 10 years—send over a card and a small token of your appreciation like a gift basket or a bottle of champagne.